Chelsea Bar & Nightclub [CLOSED] (Closed Permanently) Formerly: Azalea Lounge

High Hopes Dashed

I had high hopes for Chelsea, since Tampa desperately needs a good neighborhood gay tavern. Unfortunately, Chelsea disappoints. My bartender was definitely friendly, but who wouldn't be after taking all those shots? I was actually a little embarrassed for the poor young fellow. I was told Chelsea recently re-did the floors to get rid of the smokey smell. I guess I would hate to smell it before the new floors! The place reeked like a frat house (stale beer, cigarette smoke, etc.). I did appreciate the fact that there was a security guard on staff because the neighborhood was more than a little frightening. I do hope someone in Tampa will put together a CLEAN hangout spot for us "non-burnouts" who would like have a cold drink and some nice conversation. Sorry Chelsea, but you're just not cuttin' it.

Great Friendly Bar

I don't know what bar "justinboyd" was at, but when I recently went to Chelseas both bartenders were gay-not that that really matters to me. Friendly, good service is more important to me than the bartender's sexuality. I go to Chelseas regulary on Friday nights for karaoke and there is always a nice, friendly and diverse crowd. Being new in town, many of the bar's regulars made me feel very welcome. As for expensive drinks, I don't think $2.50 wells that are generously poured qualify for expensive. If you go to Chelseas and stand around and are bored, you must be really trying to have a bad time. I always have a fun time at Chelseas and have found it to be friendly, intimate and a fun place to meet new people. I've taken many friends there and we've made it a regular Friday night hang out. Give this smaller, intimate bar a chance. Great staff, the BEST karaoke, great drinks and great customers.

Always an honest review...

I travel all across the country and stop at gay bars in every state and city. While some smaller bars can be awesome, Chelsea isn't one of them. First off, why do gay bars hire only str8 bartenders? That just gets on my nerve. I went three times, once during the week, and once on a friday and once on a saturday, while the it was a bit more crowded on the weekend (maybe 25 people) no one stayed longer than a couple of drinks. The place is small, not unfriendly but definitly not where you want to go and drink alone. Basically, if you want to go and stand around with nothing to do and get an expensive drink (that's all of Tampa tho) in a small space of so so people, this is your place.

Honest Review

Chelsea is a very friendly bar, close to downtown with a good mix of all walks. Never a problem for me to go alone or meet friends. Great (strong) drinks, prices and bartenders. Definitely smoky but worth a wash cycle. No other place in Tampa is so welcoming. Always a great crowd for happy hour...starts at 3:00 - perfect.

Where you are never a stranger

If you are new in town or if you have lived here forever and would like to meet some new friends this is the place to go for a real and true HAPPY HOUR If you like to be alone and not talk to anyone this is not the place for you. And yes even the many stright people that come in are GAY(Websters; happily excited, keenly alive and exuberant, having or including high spirits)